Indications: megaloblastic anemia due to folic acid deficiency; pregnancy vitamin supplement.

Cautions: should never be given alone in the treatment of Addisonian pernicious anemia and other vitamin B12 deficiency states because it may precipitate the onset of subacute degeneration of the spinal cord. Do not use in malignant disease unless megaloblastic anemia due to folate deficiency is an important complication (some malignant tumours are folate- dependent).

Dose: initially, 15mg daily for 4 months or until a haematopoietic response has been obtained.

Maintenance, 5mg every 1-7 days, depending on underlying disease. Child up to 1 year, 500 mcg/kg daily. Child over 1 year, same as adult dose.